Chapter 652 - I'm Always A Man

"You."

Zoey's mind gradually went into a blank state. She blinked her eyes countless times, wondering if Kenneth had just said what he just said.

After a beat, Zoey snapped back from her stupor. "What?"

Zoey laughed awkwardly, waving lightly. That's impossible, right? She spent a fair amount of time with Kenneth in her previous life. 

However, during those times, Kenneth never fell for her. Their relationship remained pure as friendship. How come Kenneth would suddenly…

'On the second thought…' Zoey gasped at the realization striking her mind.

Zoey only knew Kenneth eight years from now. Hence, meeting him beforehand could change things just like what happened recently.

Kenneth was still young. His heart was still fickle. It would only be normal if the young Kenneth Bai would fall in love with an independent and dare devil like Zoey.

The thrill of being with someone like her… it would surely attract someone like Kenneth!

The horror in Zoey's face came clear. Her eyes gradually went even wider, staring at his unyielding side profile, an eye full of dismay.

After a while, Kenneth broke the silence once again. His tone, however, didn't change as if he wasn't speaking his heart out. He was rather mature, confronting her about his feelings.

"I don't know how and when it started. But what I'm sure of is that I like you." He paused as he snuck a glance at her.

"I get jealous whenever I see you with Brother Matthew. I also think he is not good for you -- but who am I kidding? Brother Matt may not be perfect, but he is the best fit for someone like you. I don't see anyone who deserves you better than him." 

Zoey furrowed her brows, staring at him with suspicions. 'What was he trying to say? What kind of confession am I hearing?'

"The reason I'm telling you this is not because I want you to pity or reconsider me. What I want is for you to become sensitive. I respect Brother Matt more than anyone. I don't plan on sabotaging his relationship or hurting him by betraying our brotherhood." Kenneth remarked.

At the moment, Kenneth just got Zoey's full respect. She didn't expect that from him.

Zoey assumed Kenneth would just ramble on and on about his love for her. She thought he would lose his mind and just break all relationship he had with Matthew and his flimsy friendship with her.

But, she thought wrong. Kenneth handled his feelings with level-headedness. Unlike someone who fell in love with her in the past.

Zoey didn't want to experience that again. Especially from someone she perceived as her friend.

"I just know I would lose my mind if I keep bottling up my feelings for someone I shouldn't look at, romantically. Now, I feel better." Finally, a subtle smile resurfaced on his lips.

Confessing his real feelings for her felt like it lifted a burden off his chest. He felt light and back to his usual self.

He had been keeping all this to himself. He managed, or so he believed. But after last night, Kenneth couldn't help but sneak glances at her during the party.

And that proved that he wasn't over her. He was only trying to avoid that pace. But now that he had said what he wanted to say, he could finally move on.

That's just how Kenneth does things.

Zoey bit her lower lips lightly. Soon, a smile resurfaced on her lips, as she couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

'Matty… aren't you cunning, my love?' She thought internally, thinking how strange it was to personally ask Kenneth to drop her off.

Matthew surely knew his friend. He had noticed Kenneth's affection towards her. Thus, since he knew Kenneth more than anyone, Matthew granted him a chance to free himself from this burden.

"Don't tell brother Matt, though. My feelings will soon pass since I already told you about it." Kenneth uttered, glancing at Zoey.

"Sure." Zoey nodded nonchalantly. "Thanks."

"For what?" asked Kenneth, arching his right brow.

"For telling me and… for being a man." Zoey expressed as she leaned back. Her eyes on the car's side mirror.

"I'm always a man."

"Yes, you are. I think you just soothed a wound of the past." Zoey murmured, smiling subtly. 

Kenneth's action gave her an idea of how to deal with Enzo. If ever Enzo would go crazy again.

"Heh," Kenneth let out a faint and brief chuckle. 

And so they drove in silence. This time, the silence that enveloped them was not as gloomy and boring as earlier. The silence they shared was more light and peaceful.

As they remained silent with heart satisfied by keeping their friendship despite that confession, Zoey arched her right brow. She moved her gaze to the rear mirror and then back to the side mirror.

"The f*ck?" She mumbled.

"What?" Kenneth furrowed his brows.

"Isn't that the same car that honked at us?" Zoey muttered as she looked back.

"Uhh," Kenneth glanced at the rear mirror and frowned. He didn't see the number plate earlier, but he had glimpsed at it. The car seemed the same, but it was just an average car that many people use on highways.

"Maybe?" He said. Not sure about it. "Even if it's tailing us, it's the highway."

Kenneth shrugged reassuringly. There were cars and cctv's around this area. The authorities would surely catch them if they opened fire or did something terrible.

Yet, Zoey still felt restless. Knowing Niko, he wouldn't make such a bold move in a country he didn't have control with. He was a notorious crime head, after all. 

"We should… go straight to your house." Zoey suggested but Kenneth chuckled.

"I thought you were getting late?" He cocked his head to her. "I'll just try to lose them." 

Kenneth shook his head. It was not that he didn't find her suggestion helpful. However, the way to his home or to any military bases were too far from where they were.

Not just that, but also, it was like giving the people tailing them a chance to harm them. The way to his place and the military bases were often isolated. He was afraid they'd be at risk before they could even reach the safe zones.

Just as Kenneth increased his speed, the car behind them made a turn.

"Oh, it's not tailing us." He exclaimed as he glanced at the rear mirror.

Zoey furrowed her brows and looked back once again. The car behind them, indeed, made a right turn and sped away. Yet, there's this uneasiness in her heart.

"Don't overthink too much. We'll soon reach your office." Kenneth shook his head lightly, chuckling to liven the mood.

Zoey wanted to argue, but held back. "I think I'm overthinking." She mumbled and laughed awkwardly.

"Yes, you are. I told you, be a little sensitive. I might take your concern as something else." Kenneth humored with a smirk. Zoey rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Little did she know, if Zoey followed her instincts, nothing like what was about to happen would happen.